Cuttack Trauma ICU Fire Investigation Intensifies with Site Revisit
The state government's fact-finding committee, established to probe the circumstances surrounding the devastating March 16 blaze at the trauma ICU in Cuttack, conducted a critical revisit to the site on Thursday. This visit marks a significant step forward in the ongoing investigation into the fire that raised serious concerns about hospital safety protocols.
Committee's Detailed Inspection of Safety Infrastructure
The six-member committee, led by development commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, health secretary Aswathy S, and Cuttack collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, spent approximately thirty minutes conducting a thorough examination. Their inspection focused on three key areas: the electrical systems, fire safety infrastructure, and overall emergency response mechanisms that were operational at the time of the incident. This hands-on assessment is crucial for understanding the technical failures that may have contributed to the fire.
When questioned about the purpose of the visit, DC Deoranjan Singh maintained a reserved stance, stating, "The investigation is currently in progress, and it would not be appropriate to comment on any aspect of it at this moment." This indicates the sensitive and ongoing nature of the probe.
Political Fallout and Official Suspensions
The committee's site visit occurred just one day after a major administrative action. Based on the preliminary report from the fact-finding committee, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi suspended four officials:
- Deputy Fire Officer (Cuttack Circle) Prakash Kumar Jena
- Assistant Fire Officer (Cuttack Circle) Sanjeeb Kumar Behera
- Station Officer, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Abhinab Prusty
- Assistant Executive Engineer Ranjan Kumar Biswal of the SCB sub-division under the general electrical department
However, this move has ignited political controversy. The opposition BJD party strongly criticized the suspensions. Party leader and newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Santrupt Misra, who also visited the trauma ICU on Thursday, expressed dissatisfaction. "It is regrettable that four junior government officials were suspended, while those who should be held accountable for such an incident—including the health minister, health secretary, and even the hospital superintendent-in-charge—are facing no action. They lack the moral responsibility to resign," Misra stated.
Government Defense and Future Preventive Measures
In response, BJP spokesperson Manoj Mahapatra defended the government's actions, arguing that the electrical or fire system faults at SCB Medical College and Hospital did not develop overnight. "This incident is a direct consequence of years of negligence toward the state's largest government hospital. Our government is now actively working to implement measures that will prevent any such tragic incidents from occurring in the future," Mahapatra emphasized.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan had announced that the fact-finding team had been instructed to submit its report at the earliest opportunity. This report is expected to include comprehensive recommendations for corrective measures, particularly in fire safety protocols, to enhance hospital security and avert similar disasters.
The investigation into the Cuttack trauma ICU fire continues to unfold, with the committee's findings anticipated to drive significant reforms in hospital safety standards across the state.
